The solar panels act is a set of regulations that ensure all domestic solar panels are installed safely and to best-practice industry standards.
All external photovoltaic panels in the ACT must be installed by a licensed electrician. Before the panels can be connected to the electrical grid the electrician has to contact ACTPLA (ACT planning and Land Authority) who will then inspect the installation. Once the installation has been approved by ACTPLA they forward the approval to ActewAGL who can then make the final electrical connection to the grid.
The process is as follows:
1.A registered electrician installs but does not connect solar panels.
2. The electrician requests approval from ACTPLA.
3. ACTPLA either approves installation or deems the installation non-compliant
4. If approved ActewAGL are informed and connect panels to the grid.
Some external photovoltaic panels don't need development and building approval as long as they comply with the regulations specified in the solar panels act. An external photovoltaic panel, solar water heater, air conditioner, evaporative cooler etc. doesn’t need development approval if:
i.)no part of it is within 1.5m of a side boundary or rear boundary of the block.
ii.) If it is mounted on a roof, the distance from the top of the service to the closest point of the roof is not more than 1.5m.
iii) If it is mounted on the ground, no part of the service is between a front boundary and a building line for the block.
So always take care to see that the regulations in the solar panels act are followed properly.